Mandatory evacuation orders lifted in some areas as Kenow wildfire continues to burn

Cooler temperatures and precipitation in the southern part of the province should help firefighters battle the wildfire that is burning in the Waterton area and officials say fire suppression efforts were successful in saving the townsite.

Parks Canada estimates the size of the Kenow wildfire to be about 35,000 hectares and officials said Wednesday that it is burning out of control.

“The fire is still classified as out of control,” said Leslie Lozinski, Wildire Information Officer “I think our firefighters are doing a great job out here. It's tough work, the topography makes it hard to fight the fire in the mountains. People have lost things that are very important to them, it’s a very emotional time for people and we just appreciate everybody's patience as we are out there doing our best to mop up the fire."

Firefighters have been working around the clock to protect buildings and infrastructure in Waterton Lakes National Park from the fire and officials say the townsite is no longer at risk.

“You didn't know whether they were going to be able to save the town and they were able to do that, thank goodness, that they did a lot of preparation and a lot of hard work and it’s just a miracle that the firefighters were able to do all that,” said Ross Uibel, Waterton business owner.

Ten buildings including five homes were destroyed and on Wednesday some of the evacuees were allowed into the wildfire zone to inspect their properties.

“Our officers have been in contact with anyone who did lose a home as a result of the fire,” said RCMP Corporal Curtis Peters. “People who haven’t been contacted by us, that means that their homes, thankfully, are still okay.”

Jim Garner’s Rocking Heart Ranch in Cardston County sustained major damage from the fire. He lost his home, several outbuildings, feed, fencing and personal items in the blaze.

He has insurance but says he is concerned for his neighbours and other members of the community.

“David Cassidy's house and barn operation up there, gone, just some chimney standing. Another fellow, two houses down, gone, disappeared. Jenkins Ranch over here, homes gone and burnt,” said Garner.

RCMP say Fortis Alberta delivered a generator to the area overnight and it is hoped that may speed up the re-entry timeline for evacuated residents.

The mandatory evacuation order has been lifted for the southern part of the Blood Reserve and officials say the fire in the area is under control.

The federal government confirms the funding pledged to a program in Cochrane that provides therapy to children with complex learning disabilities from Stoney Nakoda First Nation has been halted after First Nation officials decided the services should be provided on the reserve.